SILive.com - AARP Lauds GOP Rep. Michael Grimm for Co-Sponsoring Bill for Seniors

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By Tom Wrobleski

Rep. Michael Grimm (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) is getting kudos from AARP for signing on as a co-sponsor to the Older Americans Act Reauthorization.

The act would extend for four years provisions of a 1965 law that helps pay for an array of senior services, including home-delivered meals, transportation, community-based long-term care, legal services, elder abuse and prevention services, preventive health services, nursing home ombudsmen, senior community service jobs and services that help support family caregivers.

Supporters say those services help seniors stay in their home communities, near family and friends.

The Island's 65 and older population is projected to increase by more than 42 percent by 2040, far faster than any other age group in the country, AARP said.

"AARP applauds Congressman Grimm for joining the effort to continue critical services that have helped Americans age with dignity and independence for nearly 50 years now," said Beth Finkel, New York State Director of AARP. "Reauthorizing the Older Americans Act is a key part of AARP's agenda, and we hope all of New York's House members join Congressman Grimm in support."

"I'm proud of my work in Congress on behalf of seniors in Staten Island and Brooklyn, from fighting to preserve Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security to working to get our senior centers and friendship clubs up and running again after Sandy," said Grimm. "From seniors to our veterans, I will always fight to ensure they enjoy the dignity and quality of life they deserve."

A 2013 AARP survey of city residents 50 and over found that 70 percent of Islanders considered it "extremely important" to be able stay in their current home or community as long as they wanted, the highest percentage of any borough.

The survey also found well over half of the Island's 50-plus voters worry about fraud, ranging from 59 percent who were concerned about scams by check-cashers to 89 percent fearful of identity theft.

More than half - 53 percent - expressed concern about age discrimination at work, and 45 percent said they've provided unpaid care to an ill, frail, elderly or disabled adult family members in the past five years, most of any borough.

Grimm's office did not immediately comment.

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